Tomato Allergy IgE Blood Test

Order a tomato allergy IgE blood test to detect an allergy to tomatoes. This test measures the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in a blood sample. Tomato allergies are exceedingly rare, even though tomatoes and tomato-based items are among the most commonly consumed foods.

Tomatoes are used in various foods, sauces, salads, and drinks, both raw and cooked. Tomatoes are classified as a fruit but are often used as a vegetable ingredient or side dish. The tomato fruit can be dried and ground into a powder to use as a flavoring and thickening agent in soups, breads, pancakes, and other dishes. The seeds can be used to make edible oil. Vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and potassium, are abundant in the fruit.

Tomatoes are part of the Nightshades family of flowering plants. Surprisingly, some individuals with a tomato allergy can consume cooked or processed tomatoes without repercussions. At the same time, other tomato allergy sufferers may have difficulty eating other nightshades, including bell peppers, eggplant, tobacco, chilis, and white potatoes.

An allergy to tomatoes triggers a reaction in an individual's immune system. The body views certain substances as toxic and produces IgE antibodies to these contaminants. These antibodies cause histamine to be released, which will cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Allergy symptoms vary from one individual to the next ranging from mild to severe reactions, which can be experienced within minutes to hours after exposure. Common symptoms of a tomato allergy may include one or more of the following symptoms:

• Hives
• Rash
• Itching
• Tingling in mouth
• Swelling of the tongue, throat, or lips
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• In rare cases, anaphylaxis